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850 Turbo Questions[ALL/1998] posted by Michael Tetzlaff on
Monday, 31 March 1997, at 7:39 a.m.
Hello all you Volvophiles out there. I would like some help on a few questions. I have a '96 850 Turbo wagon and I would like to gain a better understanding of its care and feeding requirements than the owners manual states. I am very interested in making this car last as long as possible. If anybody has some 'gotch ya' things to look out for please let me know about them.
1)When should one replace/flush the automatic transmission fluid? The owners manual and fix-it schedule indicate 'checking' the level but not a prescribed interval for replacement.
2)Is synthetic (ex Redline) ATF recommended/used by anybody out there? Any longevity gains?
3)On their internet site, TME (IPD's Swedish connection) suggests using 5w50 synthetic motor oil. I currently use Amsoil 10w30 and the only 5w50 oil that I am aware of is Castrol Syntec. I would appreciate any input here with experience to back it up.
4)Is there a differental to be maintained? The service writer at my local dealership didn't seem to be able to make that fact known to me.
Thanks for your constructive comments and assistance. Look forward to conversing with you.
Mike '96 850 Turbo Wagon
Re: 850 Turbo Questions[ALL/1998] posted by Robert on
Monday, 31 March 1997, at 8:58 p.m.
Mike,
There is no reccomended trans. service interval. The fluid should only need to be replaced if it overheats for some reason. If you do replace it, make sure it meets the requirements of both Dextron II E and Ford Mercron, or Dextron III and Ford Mercron. Synthetic should be ok if it meets these requirements.
I Dont know what climate you live in but for the most part Volvo reccomends 10/30. 15/40 or 20/40 is ok in very hot weather and severe driving conditions but dont use in temperatures below about 10 degrees F. Synthetic is better if you dont mind paying more. I would change the oil and filter twice inbetween every 10K service, (approx 3300 miles). I personally wonder if an oil can actually change viscosity from 5w to 50w. The most important factor is the lower number as most engine wear occurs when the engine is first started and waiting for oil to be circulated.
Your differential is part of the trans, and shares the same fluid. No maint. required.
One of the best things you can do for this car is drive it hard every now and then. The valves dont rotate in their guides until around 4000 - 5000 rpm. Its good to wind it up occasionally to clean out the combustion chambers and spin the valves. Have fun but drive safely. Robert
Re: 850 Turbo Questions[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Friday, 4 April 1997, at 3:16 p.m.
Hi Michael, I've questioned Thomas at TME about his 5w-50 recommendation, and he confirms that for 850 Turbos which have installed his ECU enhancement (rated at 275 hp)he strongly suggest going with an all synthetic 5w-50, and nothing less! I personally use Quaker State Synquest, which carries very good performance numbers in this viscosity. I have been debating whether or not to move down to 5w-30 but his admonition rings in my ears whenever I think of it, so perhaps I'll continue. By the way, the wide viscosity should be no worry in a synthetic oil, as shear back is rarely a problem.